My Story
About Me:
When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my two answers were Neurosurgeon and a Therapist. I never had the aptitude or drive to become a surgeon, and I know why I wanted to be a therapist. Trauma is part of my lived history. I had a therapist when I was a child, and the only thing I could remember was feeling safe. She was older; I loved going to my sessions. Her office was the safest place for me at this time in my life. Here is where I learned to be resilient.
Later after I left that therapist, I found ways to survive in my life. One of the resources I had was my imagination. I loved Star Trek TNG; all the characters provided me with specific resources, and I would play out my life through the lens of Star Trek. Some of the best episodes for me as a young person were with my two favorite characters. Deana Troi and Lieutenant Data. It’s interesting to reflect on these characters. Data represent a protector, and Deana provides me with secure attachment. I’d pretend that I was rescued by Data, an orphaned child and parented by Deana Troi.
As I grew older, this image helped me through an unhappy childhood until I could be old enough to start reparenting myself. Ultimately, my examples of secure attachment are why I became a therapist. These earlier influencers helped me look for adults who could provide me with this same example, and I found them somewhere people my age surviving just like I did. I imagined that I could help others move through their trauma, hurt, and pain.
My Experience and Practice:
As a queer, transgender, and nonbinary individual with a non-traditional spiritual practice and collaborative approach to my therapy, finding the right therapist is essential. Whether in rural situations or a big city—the therapy room is a space where a client doesn't have to explain or educate a therapist about sexuality, open relationships, polyamory, BDSM, body size, disability, chronic health issues, experiences of oppression, or racism. You are valid. I believe everyone is an expert in their own life, and I am not an expert in your life.
I've collaborated with clients on gender identity/ transition, self-esteem, domestic violence, trauma, coping with the neuro-typical world, depression, anxiety, spiritual exploration, and existential issues. I use Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy to navigate communication/conflict resolution and relationship discernment in couple's work. I work by creating cooperative relationships between partners where they can make agreements with each other and gain understanding and build intimacy.
I collaborate with clients to explore their life history, spirituality, family, and relationships. I believe in advocacy and support from a social justice lens. I provide experiential interventions and creative ways to support deeper connection and relationship intimacy. My clients appreciate my non-judgmental, humorous, and playful attitude.
I consider myself a trauma-informed therapist. I am trained in EMDR and utilize Somatic, Mindfulness interventions, Working with parts of self, and the Neuro-Affective Relational Model to support clients in processing trauma. I am also an ecstatic rites drummer, a Reiki Master/Teacher and an Artist. Please ask me about my specific training certifications.
Education:
Associate Degree in Social Science 2009 Salt Lake Community College
Bachelor Degree Behavioral Science School of Anthropology 2011 University of Utah
Masters Degree of Marriage and Family Therapy 2019 NorthCentral University
Training:
EMDR Training and Certified 2020
Neuro-Affective Relational Model Training 2022
